WIERD AND WONDERFUL FACTS
Australia is located southeast of Asia, and is the only country in the world to occupy a single continent. The Australian continent and the nearby island of Tasmania, form the 6th largest country on earth, with a total area of 7,682,300 sq km (2,966,200 sq mi). This large area is populated by only 19 million people, making Australia the most sparsely populated continent after the Antarctica. Australia consists of six states and two territories. The states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania; the territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory which is the location for the capital city Canberra.
Australia is also the world's flattest and driest landmass after Antarctica. The vast interior of Australia is called the Outback, which consists mainly of desert plains. The fertile eastern coastal plains are separated from the Outback by the Great Dividing Range. Some ski fields are located in the Great Dividing Range around the Victoria and New South Wales border.
Australia borders no other country because it is surrounded by ocean, so there is plenty of coastline to explore. Much of this coastline consists of white sandy beaches and cliffs. The Great Barrier Reef on Queensland's east coast is the largest reef and coral formation on earth, extending just over 2001 km (1250 miles) in length. The reef is the worlds richest area of marine life, and forms a natural barrier from the Pacific Ocean. This makes the Queensland coast ideal for diving, but also unsuitable for surfing. However the rest of the Australian coastline contains countless beaches, that have superb surf breaks and the abundance of beaches suitable for surfing has enabled this sport to become the national pastime, and is the reason why Australians consistently win surfing competitions the world over.
The Australian continent contains many different climatic zones, ranging from tropical in the north, leading to subtropical and savanna, to arid deserts in the centre, with a temperate climate in the south. Regular snow falls occur in winter in the Australian Alps, and on the mountains in the island state of Tasmania. The seasons in Australia are reverse to the northern hemisphere. January and February are the warmest months, and June and July are the coldest.
Australia is geographically isolated from the rest of the world, and contains distinctive plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Eucalyptus forests dominate much of coastal Australia, but Eucalyptus trees can be found in every region of Australia. Scrub dominates the inland regions, and pockets of tropical and subtropical rainforests can be found on Australia's eastern and northern coasts. Temperate rainforest can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, and the island state of Tasmania. The oldest rainforests on earth are situated in the Daintree National Park and also the Cape Tribulation National Park. The Karri forests on Australia's south west coast contain some of the worlds highest trees, some trees can reach heights of 90 m (300 ft).
Australia is also home to many unigue animal species such as the platypus, which is an aquatic, furred mammal with a bill like that of a duck. The Platypus belongs to an animal group known as monotreme's. Another animal belonging to this group is the spiny anteater, or echidna. Most native mammals are marsupials. These include koalas, kangaroos, possums, flying foxes and the ferocious Tasmanian Devil. Australia also contains many varieties of crocodile, they are found in the tropical zone of Australia and they inhabit swamps, rivers and can also be found in the ocean near a river mouth. Lizards are very common, there are over 500 different species including Goannas, Geckos and Dragons. The Australian continent is also home to the most venomous snakes and spiders in the world, as well the deadly Box Jelly Fish. Australia is populated by many colourful bird species such as parrots, budgerigars, rosellas, gallahs, finches and cockatoos. The Emu is Australia's largest bird and is related to the Ostrich.
AUSTRALIA
A commonwealth comprising the continent of Australia, the island state of Tasmania, two external territories, and several dependencies.
The first British settlement, a penal colony at Fort Jackson (now part of Sydney), was established in 1788. The present-day states grew as separate colonies; six of them formed a federation in 1901.
In 1911 Northern Territory joined the commonwealth and the Capital Territory, site of Canberra, was created. Canberra is the capital and Sydney is the largest city. Population, 15,544,500.
MORE WIERD AND WONDERFUL FACTS
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Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian coat of arms for that reason.
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In 1859, 24 rabbits were released in Australia. Within six years the population grew to 2 million.
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The fastest insect is the Australian Dragonfly verified at 55 miles per hour.
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TERMITES
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A species of earthworm, "Megascolides australis,"" in Australia can grow up to fifteen feet in length.
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A termite queen lays approximately 30,000 eggs per day. About 1 per second.
Eucalyptus<o:p></o:p>
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
With more than 600 species, eucalyptus offers a variety of scents. The blue-gum variety is the most widely cultivated and produces most of the oil available today. It was introduced at the Paris Exposition in 1867 after the Melbourne Australia, botanical garden's director suggested it as an antiseptic replacement for cajeput. He was right. The French government planted the trees in Algeria to ward off the "noxious gases" thought to be responsible for malaria. It worked, but mainly because the trees transformed the marsh into dry land, eliminating the mosquito's habitat. Australia's "blue forests" are named for the haze produced by the tree's essential oil, which mutes the surrounding scenery. Eucalyptus is used liberally in industrial preparations, aftershaves, colognes and mouthwashes.
Family: Myrtaceae
Extraction: Distilled from the leaf and small twig. The odor is pungent, sharp and somewhat camphorous.
Medicinal Action: A potent antiviral, antibacterial and decongestant agent, eucalyptus treats sinus and throat infection, fever, flu, chicken pox and herpes. Most liniments and vapor rubs contain it, or its component eucalyptol. It is specific for thin mucus with lack of thirst and chills.
Cosmetic/Skin Use: Small amounts are appropriate for oily complexion and especially acne. It is an antiseptic on wounds, boils, insect bites and lice.
Emotional Attribute: The scent increases energy, countering physical debility and emotional imbalance. <o:p></o:p>
Associated Oils:
Eucalyptus Australiana (E. australiana) --Specific for lung congestion and sore throats.
Lemon Eucalyptus (E. citriodora) --The high percentage of citronellal gives this eucalyptus a wonderful lemony scent, making it an inoffensive bug repellant. It is also anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial, especially against Streptococcus. Unlike standard eucalyptus, the scent is relaxing. Lemon eucalyptus is the best choice when there are symptoms of heat, such as thirst, dryness, thick mucus and fever. It is also specific for herpes, cystitis and arthritis. <o:p></o:p>
Dives or Broad-Leaved Peppermint (E. dives) --Of the two chemotypes, one is rich in cineol (also known as cuminol) and is specific for acne; the other is rich in piperitone, a toxic ketone. They look identical but have different scents. <o:p></o:p>
Peppermint Eucalyptus (E. piperita) --Similar to dives, this one is used in mouthwashes and veterinary supplies. <o:p></o:p>
Blue Mallee (E. polybractea) --The two chemotypes of this species are cuminol (also known as cineol) and cryptone. The cuminol type (sometimes known as "cineol type") is specific for sinus and bronchial congestion. The cryptone type treats genitourinary tract problems, including chlamydia and condyloma virus, cystitis, cervical dysplasia, and uterine and prostate infections. Some success has been reported in treating uterine fibroids. <o:p></o:p>
Grey Peppermint (E. radiata) --Most commonly referred to by its Latin name, Eucalyptus radiata treats overall ear, nose, throat and upper-respiratory problems, acne, vaginitis, ear infections and herpes. Its action is cooling and anti-inflammatory. <o:p></o:p>
Gully Gum (E. smithii) --An energizer and immune modulant, this species is very mild, making it a good choice for children or sensitive people. Useful in the treatment of muscle pain.
FOR MORE FACTS GO HERE
http://www.didgeridoos.net.au/1.0%20au%20html%20folder/facts%20about%20australia.html
Australia is home to more than one million species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. About 85 per cent of flowering plants, 84 per cent of mammals, more than 45 per cent of birds, and 89 per cent of inshore, temperate-zone fish are endemic - that is they are only found in Australia.
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